Wedding China and Table Patterns... who knew?

Wedding China and Table Patterns.. who knew?

Throughout our lives, we have watched mom or grandma set the table, and always thought that the way they do it is the right way. As you got older and decided to "BeHitched" you started searching for different china patterns for your wedding. All of a sudden, you get stumped!! You could have sworn that the napkin would go to the left under the fork. WRONG! Proper ettiquette shows that the napkin should lay beautifully on the plate. Then you think, which plate? Uhhh, so confusing isn't it? Don't worry, here are some tips from BeHitched Weddings!

Our China terminology 101

China

A term used to describe dinnerware and dishes. Some different types of china include bone china, porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware. Bone china is the best china, and, along with porcelain, is considered fine china. Stoneware and earthenware are examples of casual china.

Formal China

Also called fine china, is normally used for special occasions. Bone china and porcelain are considered fine china, and are more expensive, but of a higher quality than casual china. Fine china, made from finely ground clay, is fired at extremely high heat. (Examples are Wedgewood and Rosenthal)

Casual China

Everyday dinnerware. It's less expensive than fine china but also less durable. Casual china is usually sold in 4-piece place settings.( Example: Villeroy &Boch, Rosenthal also makes casual china)

Bone China

Strong, glasslike, and translucent, is considered the best china. It's made of a finely ground clay mixture, which includes bone ash, and is fired at extremely high heat. Adding bone ash creates bone china's bright white color. Despite its delicate look, it is surprisingly strong and chip resistant. It is best to wash bone china by hand, but check with the manufacturer to see if it's dishwasher safe. (Waterford, Lenox and also Wedgewood)

Porcelain

Strong, glasslike, and translucent. High-quality china made from the same clay mixture in bone china -- minus the bone ash -- porcelain may look delicate, but it is extremely durable and chip resistant. It's best to wash porcelain by hand, but check with the manufacturer to see if it's dishwasher safe.

Earthenware

A heavy, slightly porous ceramic often used for everyday china. It was used to make most ancient and antique pottery, including English Delft. It's often glazed, and not as heavy as and less durable than stoneware.

Ironstone

A hard, heavy, durable earthenware with a white porcelain-like appearance. It's also called Masonware.

Stoneware

Safe to use in both the microwave and oven, stoneware is dishwasher safe. It's very strong (ground stone is added to the clay), heavy, and nonporous. Stoneware has a glassy surface but may feel rough. It is stronger and heavier than earthenware, and is given a glaze.

Formal Place Setting

Usually 5-piece setting, including a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and a cup and saucer.

Casual Place Setting

Usually 4-piece, including a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread and butter plate, and mug.

We hope this helps!

"BeHappy" "BeHealthy" "BeHitched!"

September Weddings

Fall is just around the corner and the time has come to put pastels to rest for another 6 or 7 months. You getting married in September and are clueless as to what colors to have for your theme. BeHitched Weddings has some suggestions for you:

Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine!

September is a month where you can really use some of the deep, rich colors. Consider combining green with browns, yellows, oranges, reds and cream. It would also look pretty with cocoa and cream colors. Keep your attendants in mind when selecting colors as you want everyone to look good in the colors. One example, you could have your attendants wear cocoa dresses with a cream sash and carry bouquets of the rich mixed colors. This is one way to tie in the green. You could also use it in the linens. I think if you use the green as an accent, it should work beautifully. Once you've selected your florist, they will also be able to help you put the colors together. You need first to select your own dress (if you haven't done this already) then pick out the dresses for your attendants.

Catering:

Experts say that couples are moving away from the standard salad as a first course. One popular alternative is soups -- their warmth and heartiness make them a natural fit for fall. Consider squash bisque served in little pumpkins, or butternut squash soup ladled over crumbled blue cheese. Seafood-based starters are also very popular, but you can bypass the standard crab cakes in favor of smoked salmon or fish mousse.

Flowers:

September is a wonderful time to have a wedding and no better time for September wedding flowers. There are a wide number of flowers to choose from that bloom all year around, are available all year round or that bloom specifically in the late summer and early fall seasons. You truly have the advantage when picking September wedding flowers. Be willing to break away from the traditional pale colors and white that most weddings are done in and bring in the colors of the changing season to your wedding. Make it a memorable occasion by choosing September wedding flowers.

African Iris, Roses, Calililies are just some ideas for your ideal wedding flowers.

Favor Ideas:

A old, old voice must have whispered when you set your heart on an autumn wedding.
It all began with the first twinklings of agriculture in Europe. When the barns and barrels were full for the winter and the harvest chores ended, only then would you know if you were rich enough to marry that year! If you were, you passed around the drink and meat, and piled up branches for all-night bonfires: it was time to celebrate with friends.
Even today, we still seek that unique sensation of a full belly and fuller pantry in autumn.

Honey and nuts, berries, coffee and cheeses are the earthier ingredients that go well with your autumn wedding theme.

Personalized Fall leaves as decor , Autumn gold or chocolate brown candy filled boxes with Fall leaves for decor, Leaves personalized mint tins, mint packs, chocolate leaves... these are all some ideas for you to think about.

Things to know:

14% of brides get married in September

12% of brides get married in October

9% of brides get married in November.

Gay and Lesbian Weddings

Planning a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony and you are not sure what the essential elements are to the ceremony. Maybe you have been invited to a commitment ceremony and are just not sure what to expect. You woul be surprised to know that gay and lesbian ceremonies are very much the same as traditional weddings, and the ceremony is nearly identical. The only difference is that a commitment ceremony is not legally binding in many areas yet. It is simply a public affirmation of the couple's commitment in front of their friends and family.

A commitment ceremony can take place with gay, lesbian or transgendered couples. This ceremony could be formal or casual, and depends on the couple's wishes and the rules of the officiant or house of worship it is being held in. Generally speaking, this is a simple outline of how a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony will occur.

BeHitched Weddings takes great pride in helping couples out there have the perfect commitment ceremony and reception. We will work closely with our new clients to make sure that everything goes smoothly so you can get wild and crazy.. because it's true what they say.. "Girls Just Wanna Have fun!"

Here a a few things to look into when planning your Committment Ceremony...

Type of Ceremony - Depending on the state and country of residence, gay couples may have the option of planning a full marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, or commitment ceremony. You may also want to decide if you and your partner desire a religious or non-religious ceremony.

Itinerary- A typical ceremony and reception will take at least 5 hours, not including pictures taken in between the ceremony and reception. Take ample time to discuss your ceremony plans with your partner. Keep a notebook for important information and develop an itinerary of the ceremony day. Share this itinerary with the reception hall, DJ or band, officiate, venue and other people key to the success of the ceremony.

Budget -Take time to carefully plan the budget for your ceremony. Take into account the number of guests, the venue, entertainment, photography, rings, tuxedo rentals, etc. An easy way to plan a commitment ceremony budget is to allot a certain amount for each major area of the ceremony. Here is a simple break down:
50% Reception
10% Flowers
10% Music
10% Photography
10% Tuxedo or Dress Rental
5% Invitations
5% Miscellaneous

Wedding Vows- Individually write your vows. Vows can be as personal or standard depending on your preference.

Location & Venue- Of course, the location of your ceremony should be a special place for both you and your partner; however, consider choosing a central location for all of your guests. Also, make sure the venue of choice is gay-friendly. Call ahead to make sure the venue you choose is comfortable hosting a same-sex ceremony. In addition, make sure you are comfortable in the venue of choice. Gay Friendly Inns is a great place to start. Some couples also choose to have their ceremony performed at gay pride. Often there will be officiants on hand to perform group commitment ceremonies. View the gay pride calendar.

Find a Church-Call a gay-friendly church and ask if they are willing to perform a gay commitment ceremonies. If they refuse, don't get discouraged. There are many others that will.

Number of Guests-Some couples choose to have small intimate ceremonies, while others have large events. Invite the number of guests that make you and your partner comfortable. Remember that the cost of the ceremony can rise depending on how many guests you invite.

Invitations- You can purchase wedding invitations at your local stationary store or online. Choose invitations to your taste. If money is a concern, try a little creativity and create your own special cards or host an announcement shower at a friend's place.

Reception Halls & Caterers- Decide if you'd like a reception at a private home, a public hall or non at all. If considering a public venue, call the reception hall and book it at least 10-12 months in advance. Be prepared to tell the event planner your desired booking date and time, how many guests you are expecting and what cuisine you'd like served (if they cater as well). Some places offer full packages (ceremony venue, reception, caterer, music and photographer).

DJ/Band and Photographer -The DJ can sometimes be a sore spot when it comes to wedding and commitment ceremonies. Choose a DJ with experience. Select a play list that tailors to both your tastes and the palate of your guests. Decide on a photographer with experience and be clear about what you expect. It helps to choose a DJ and photographer that is comfortable in a gay atmosphere. Word of mouth recommendations are always best.

Limousine Services-Think about how you will arrive at the ceremony and to the reception. Check your local listings for a limousine company or for the cost conscious, solicit a friend with a really nice car to chauffeur you around for the day.